"We weren't over confident. We were just confident that we could beat Benfica. We also thought that there wouldn't be many more chances for us to win the European Cup. I'm not sure about the other players, but I just had this great belief that we would win the European Cup."

"If I remember rightly, Matt hadn't booked the hotel until after the semi final. He didn't want to tempt fate. After we got to the final we struggled to get a hotel and we ended up in Surrey somewhere. But it worked out well because it was a nice place and out of the way, very quiet.

"There wasn't any added pressure with the final being in England and at Wembley. It wasn't and the reason why is that when we left the hotel for the stadium there were so many fans lining the road to the stadium. It doesn't happen often, but it seemed like everyone in the country was behind Manchester United. It was a fantastic feeling.

"It was a scorching hot night. I remember going onto the pitch about an hour before the game and you could hardly breathe. There was no air because it was so warm. Walking down the tunnel at the start ofthe game was amazing, you could sense how confident everybody was."

"The only time I doubted that we would win it was in the last ten minutes when, at 1-1, Eusebio went through on goal against Alex Stepney...there was a slight doubt. But in the first half of extra time we just ran amok. We were all tired and the message from Matt was just not to give the ball away. By the second half, though, we knew it was over.

"It was great for Bobby Charlton to start and then finish the scoring for us, especially after everything that had happened previously. And the one thing Brian Kidd will never be able to hide is his age; scoring on his 19th birthday in the European Cup final, he'll never be able to keep that one quiet!

"What was really special, though, was seeing Matt Busby's reaction. He was like a little kid at Christmas who'd just got the present he'd always wanted. It was fantastic to see him getting the European Cup more than anything. And great for the people of Manchester too. They all shared Matt's dream of winning the European Cup."

"We should have won the competition in 1966 when we lost at the semi final stage. Funnily enough, I thought we were a better side that year. I think we should have won it more often than we did, but nobody can take that night away from us. It will bring a lot of memories back when we face Benfica on Tuesday - for the players and the fans."

'In a move which is certain to exacerbate one of the greatest rivalries in English football, Manchester City will unveil a controversial advertising campaign today proclaiming themselves the "real" team of Manchester.

Billboard and bus-stop posters in City's light blue colours will be put up all around the centre of Manchester using the slogan "This Is Our City". Some United fans are bound to regard the campaign as antagonistic as it appears to be a reference to long-running claims by City supporters that a significant proportion of the Old Trafford club's following is made up of glory-hunters from the south of England.

One of the City posters even uses the slogan "Real Manchester", a play on words that refers both to the famous Madrid club and the claims by City supporters that many Reds are not genuine Mancunians. "Do You Come From Manchester?" is a City chant on derbydays. City have in effect parked their tanks on United's lawn by even booking some poster sites to the west of Manchester city centre in areas which are regarded as strongholds of the Red Devils. Other slogans include "Greater Manchester" and "Pure Manchester", all on the light blue background. City claimed last night that it was merely trying to "emphasise the intrinsic bond between Manchester City Football Club and the city of Manchester".

Matt Lowery, City's assistant company secretary, said: "We are known as 'the Manchester club' by Mancunians, and we wanted a campaign to celebrate the wit of our supporters."

Mr Lowery agreed that the campaign would spark heated debate. "It will create a great buzz around the city, which we get anyway when we have a derby, but that's only twice a year. We thought it would be fun to get the city buzzing with banter about who owns it."

He said it was not for him to say how Old Trafford would react. "They've got their own brand and objectives. I think United fans will see the humour."

A Manchester Institute for Popular Culture study three years ago found that a greater proportion of City season-ticket holders (40 per cent) lived in Manchester than United season- ticket holders (29 per cent).'

Today's big game will on the ownership level be between a Russian Jew and an American Jew. All of us non-Jews will rightfully get excited by the talented football on display, but all the money generated will go to Abramovski and Malcom Glazer. It's a bit like that old joke about what Jews do on Xmas - go and count all the money they made from selling toys!

I'm like most people - I try to cut everybody a lot of slack and stop myself being negative about other groups and especially not racist. In particular I try to cut Jews a bit of slack - afterall haven't they suffered enough over the years. However, I'm finding it harder and harder to dismiss conspiracy theories because if the Jews really want to avoid being the subject of conspiracy theories, they are in ALL THE WRONG PLACES - Hollywood, the World Bank, The Big Banks, and now they are dominating soccer and using to forward their multicultural agenda. And we can see from Paris what a bad idea this is. OK they won the World Cup because they had lots of Non-French players, but was it worth it to have their cities burnt to the ground?

I recommend the politically naive to check out the following websites:

a.. MANCHESTER UNITED against Chelsea is a monumental game for both clubs. The most important week of the season so far has turned into a nightmare for United. Humbled by Middlesbrough last Saturday in their heaviest Premiership defeat in 19 months, attacked by Roy Keane on Monday, and embarrassed by Lille on Wednesday, the Red Devils now face the reigning and unbeaten Premiership champions. But Chelsea too were defeated in Europe midweek with what manager Jose Mourinho considered their worst display in his tenure, and they're going though the biggest slump since his arrival.

a.. This match will mark the 19th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Old Trafford, and they go into this clash 13 points inferior to the runaway leaders with just two victories in seven Premiership outings, and in danger of tumbling to three successive League and Cup losses for the first time since May 2001. United have a game in hand on Chelsea, but defeat here would open up a 16-point chasm between the two and leave the Red Devils a gigantic task to catch up.

a.. The Red Devils are chasing a first victory over Chelsea since the 2-1 triumph on 18 January 2003 when Paul Scholes and Diego Forlan goals ensured all three points.

a.. CHELSEA play their 50th Premiership match under Mourinho, looking for a 40th victory. But one win in four League and Cup outings means by current standards the Stamford Bridge millionaires are in a trough. The Blues trailed Aston Villa and Bolton before pulling off emphatic victories. But they were unable to repeat the feat against lowly Everton, having to come from behind to draw 1-1. They were then beaten on penalties by Charlton in the Carling Cup, before defeating Blackburn in a six goal game last weekend. On Tuesday they lost to Real Betis in Spain, when they could have confirmed qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League.

a.. Chelsea are unbeaten in 40 Premiership matches, and in 19 away from home. They're the only remaining undefeated club in the Premiership and have the strongest attack. But cracks are appearing in defence. The Londoners rattled up seven clean sheets in all competitions since the start of the League season, and conceded just three goals in the first 12 matches (excluding the Community Shield). But now they've shipped five goals in the last four games, and not managed a block-out in the quartet.

a.. The Londoners have won four and drawn two of their last six League and Cup meetings with United. They enjoyed a 1-3 success on their last Premiership visit to the Theatre of Dreams in May. Chelsea were already champions when they came from behind to win. Tiago brilliantly levelled Ruud van Nistelrooy's early opener. A delicate finish from Eidur Gudjohnsen put the visitors ahead, and Joe Cole capped a fine individual display by tapping home a third.

Manchester United in the dock Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has threatened to pull his England players out of the squad for the November friendly versus Argentina. He told the club magazine: "I've never had problems with competitive games but I'll not risk my players in a friendly.

"I do not like friendly internationals. England have one this month and you can bet that Chelsea and Arsenal will be pulling their players out.

"And if I have the injury problems I have at the moment, I will be too."

Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Kieran Richardson and Alan Smith are all expected to be in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the match in Geneva on Saturday 12 November.

It is the first of only four internationals England will play before they head to the World Cup in Germany next June and Eriksson sees it as a vital part of the preparation process.

Miller's career statistics Leeds have signed Manchester United's Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller on loan until January. The 24-year-old joined from Celtic in summer 2004, but he has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.

Miller scored from a free-kick in the recent Carling Cup win over Barnet but this was a rare start.

He is thought to have been one of the players singled out for criticism in Roy Keane's rant at his team-mates after United's loss at Middlesbrough.

Miller goes straight into the Leeds squad for Saturday's home game with Preston.

"I felt it was right to bring someone in because we need to make sure we are covered in midfield over these next few months," manager Kevin Blackwell told the Leeds website.

"We have a few players one card away from a suspension and if I lose one of them then my options are limited.

"Bringing Liam in allows us to cover midfield and also to freshen things up."

Full-back Phil Bardsley has committed his future to Manchester United until 2009. The 20-year-old has impressed on his recent introduction to the Red Devils senior squad after a year out with a serious knee injury.

It was also the climax for United's "golden generation" of youngsters that produced David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.

Ferguson now faces his biggest challenge in recent history as he prepares to face Chelsea, the new supreme power on and off the pitch and with United's hopes of Champions League glory in the balance after defeat against Lille.

Beckham's departure for Real Madrid in summer 2003 marked a watershed for Manchester United and Ferguson - they have not won the Premiership since he left and the manager's buying policy is under harsh scrutiny.

So could Ferguson be the architect of his own downfall with a flawed transfer policy?

ERIC DJEMBA-DJEMBA - �3.5M NANTES JULY 2003

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson: "He's quick, aggressive and a good passer of the ball and is exactly the kind of athletic footballer we are looking for. He looks like a Manchester United player in every sense."

THE REALITY: Pedestrian, off the pace and soon shipped off to Aston Villa. He may have looked like a Manchester United player - but no-one could remember which one.

THE VERDICT: Failure.

TIM HOWARD - �2.3M NEW YORK METRO STARS JULY 2003

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Everything we have seen has been impressive. He has real presence."

THE REALITY: No longer has real presence in Ferguson's first-team plans. Impressive start faltered amid mistakes, the most costly of which led to a Champions League exit against Jose Mourinho's Porto. Now very much a deputy to Edwin van der Sar.

THE VERDICT: Failure.

KLEBERSON - �6M ATLETICO PARANAENSE AUGUST 2003

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I think Kleberson won the World Cup for Brazil. I think he was vital to them."

THE REALITY: And there was the rest of the world thinking Ronaldo's goals won the World Cup for Brazil in 2002. Never made an impact, unsuited to the Premiership and looked out of his depth. Sold to Besiktas for �2.5m in August 2005.

THE VERDICT: Failure.

CRISTIANO RONALDO - �12.2M SPORTING LISBON AUGUST 2003

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson said: "He's a young lad who is going to get better and better. Hopefully he is going to be at this club a long time."

THE REALITY: Dazzling skills and rich potential, but end product still unpredictable. Struggled badly this season.

THE VERDICT: Erratic - but still time to be a success.

LIAM MILLER - FREE TRANSFER CELTIC JANUARY 2004

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We recognise his potential. He is very much part of our progressive thinking of developing a young team over the next few years."

THE REALITY: More like Liam Lucan - disappeared without trace at Old Trafford. Looked slow and unsuited to the top-flight. Allowed to join Leeds on loan.

THE VERDICT: Failure.

LOUIS SAHA - �12.8M FULHAM JANUARY 2004

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have got a young and gifted centre-forward. Louis is an exciting talent who has made incredible progress. To have finally secured this deal is fantastic."

THE REALITY: Talented no doubt, but seemingly injured on a permanent basis and has started just 16 games.

THE VERDICT: Failure.

ALAN SMITH - �6M LEEDS MAY 2004

THE HYPE: Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I have never been more impressed with a young player. Certain young people come along with a special determination and after speaking to him I expect that from Alan Smith."

THE REALITY: Started brilliantly then sidelined by the arrival of Wayne Rooney. Ferguson apparently now sees him as a potential midfield successor to Roy Keane. Not one of his better ideas.

THE VERDICT: Success when played in his right position - failure in midfield.

Dont call Manchester United like that please. Elina--- Manchester_United_2004@yahoogroups.com<craig_clement_liddell@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:> Today's big game will on the ownership level bebetween a Russian Jew > and an American Jew. All of us non-Jews willrightfully get excited > by the talented football on display, but all themoney generated will > go to Abramovski and Malcom Glazer. It's a bit likethat old joke > about what Jews do on Xmas - go and count all themoney they made > from selling toys!> > I'm like most people - I try to cut everybody a lotof slack and stop > myself being negative about other groups andespecially not racist. > In particular I try to cut Jews a bit of slack -afterall haven't > they suffered enough over the years. However, I'mfinding it harder > and harder to dismiss conspiracy theories because ifthe Jews really > want to avoid being the subject of conspiracytheories, they are in > ALL THE WRONG PLACES - Hollywood, the World Bank,The Big Banks, and > now they are dominating soccer and using to forwardtheir > multicultural agenda. And we can see from Paris whata bad idea this > is. OK they won the World Cup because they had lotsof Non-French > players, but was it worth it to have their citiesburnt to the ground?> > I recommend the politically naive to check out thefollowing websites:> >http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Universal_Fascist_Party/> http://www.fpp.co.uk > http://www.amren.com > http://www.davidduke.com/ > http://www.castefootball.us/> http://www.whitesurvival.net > > > > >

__________________________________ Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

There was just one thing wrong with Roy Keane's brilliant MUTV rant, argues Rob Smyth - it didn't take Sir Alex Ferguson to task for what he's doing to Manchester United

Tuesday November 1, 2005

Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson. Photograph: Matthew Peters/Getty.

As usual, it took Roy Keane to cut through the crap and deliver a damning and entirely valid verdict on the dramatic demise of Manchester United. In fact, there was only one problem with Keane's MUTV rant - it didn't go far enough. If Keane was truly uncensored, it would be fascinating to get his views on the influence of failure specialist Carlos Queiroz, who has neutered United's attacking elan. And what would really boost MUTV's dismal ratings would be Keane's views on his manager.

Keane has been his master's voice for the past decade, and now he is barking against Ferguson. The United manager, under fire from all corners, will feel the harsh bite of his captain's criticism more than the rest combined. When United won the Premiership in 1999, the first part of the Treble, Ferguson charged giddily onto the pitch and went straight to embrace one man: Keane. When, a few weeks earlier, Keane and Paul Scholes received yellow cards in Turin that would rule them out of the European Cup final, Ferguson spoke of Keane's "tragedy" and his desire to appeal the decision. He didn't even mention Scholes's name. This was love as its most unconditional.Ferguson and Keane have had as close a relationship as any between manager and player in football history. They saw in each other a mirror image of themselves. Ferguson cut Keane slack for his misdemeanours; Keane gave Ferguson the most influential and talismanic footballer since Maradona, a man without whose iron will a team of superstars just could not function. Now, as then, Keane was at the centre of all that is going on Old Trafford: it is he for whom Ferguson changed his system to the hated 4-3-2-1 last season; it is he who United look so rudderless without; and it is he who, after months of everything being brushed assiduously and patronisingly under the carpet, has finally told it like it is. United are an absolute shambles at the moment, and nobody else at the club seems willing or able to face that fact.

Unsurprisingly, Keane's comments were vetoed by Ferguson. It is not the first time they have fallen out (there was a much-publicised contretemps in Portugal this summer) and the thawing of their relationship is symbolic of Ferguson's demise. Keane's values - the remorseless pursuit of excellence at all costs; the bristling intolerance of the bullshit and excuses of modern sport - have not changed. Ferguson's have. He has become resigned to and tolerant of a mediocrity that Keane cannot countenance.

Ferguson, of course, has always been sensitive to criticism. The BBC are currently being ignored, and if he had his way he wouldn't do any press conferences. He has even taken to saying "Well done" at the end of pre- and post-match TV interviews to the startled interviewer, presumably for not asking any difficult questions. Why did you sell Jaap Stam, Sir Alex? No, really, Sir Alex - why did you sell Jaap Stam? What does Liam Miller do to earn more per week than most of your supporters earn per annum? Why are you earning �4m per year if, as Ryan Giggs says, you have given Queiroz "the responsibility to train us, prepare us for games, organise the team and decide the things we need to work on"?

The culture of fear duly created, Ferguson has been able to get away with doing as he pleases. The consequence is that only in the underground world of fanzines and pub talk is the truth that dare not speak its name being spoken: Sir Alex Ferguson has demonstrably, irrefutably lost the plot.

Most United fans have had enough. They have had enough of 4-3-2-1; of an abuse of the heritage of the club that has not occurred since the Sexton years; of the moronic twitter of the man they lovelessly call Carlos Queirozzzz; of the fact that only a Scouser, a sub-standard Leeds fan and a Portuguese pretty boy show the requisite desire; of a gaping chasm where once there was the best midfield in Europe; of the apathy of Lord Chav Rio Ferdinand; of Sir Alex Ferguson.

This should not be confused, as it has by Ars�ne Wenger among others, with a lack of respect for Ferguson, or gratitude for what unprecedented happiness he has brought to the club. "Every single one of us loves Alex Ferguson," is a song that will be heard around Old Trafford for years to come, and the joy Ferguson has brought imbues the failure of an essentially decent man with a brutal poignancy. But if you love someone you have to set them free and, based on the unforgiving demands of modern football, and his performance over the last five years, Ferguson does not deserve to be manager of Manchester United. Reputation and gratitude are not enough.

In United's glory years, Ferguson told of a trick he would use at the start of each season to keep his players on their toes. He would assemble the squad and show them an envelope, in which, he said, were two or three names of players he felt had taken their eye off the ball, and who he was keeping an eye on. In reality, the envelope was empty (although Paul Ince and David Beckham were sold for precisely that reason). But if Ferguson opened it now, he might get a seriously nasty surprise.

The problems go back to the summer of 2001, when he sold Stam, paid �28.1m for the curse known as Juan Sebastian Veron and killed a golden goose that was delivering a Premiership every year in pursuit of a farewell European Cup at Hampden Park. Since then, he has made some desperate mistakes. These are not borderline errors of judgement; they are decisions that fly in the face of all rhyme and reason.

There is his record in the transfer market, with at least three Klebersons for every Gabriel Heinze and the shocking failure to address the decline of a once-majestic midfield; the delegation of significant power to the ruinous and incessantly negative Queiroz, which has made United neither successful nor entertaining, despite Queiroz's belief-beggaring proclamation that: "We are producing the most exciting, attacking football in the league".

Then there is the inexplicable persistence with a phalanx of incompetents. Like John O'Shea; once referred to as looking like a thin Peter Kay, now he just looks like Peter Kay. Like Alan Smith who, for all his admirable endeavour, has more chance of being the new Eminem than the new Roy Keane. Like Scholes, who has been rewarded for a season of sleepwalking with the captaincy. Like Ruud van Nistelrooy, who surrenders possession time after time after time and then falls over. Like Darren Fletcher, a teacher's pet in the McClair mould who is, at this stage of his career, simply not good enough.

Then there is the incessant tinkering - Fletcher ahead of Ronaldo for the last two, must-win league games; dropping Ronaldo, Scholes and Wayne Rooney to derail United's title charge at Crystal Palace last season. In the summer, with that match in mind, Stubborn of Govan said he would no longer rest players in league matches. That lasted about a month.

Nor is it the only strange comment Ferguson has made of late. Previously he has always related to the fans; now he seems to have contracted Queiroz's contempt for the people who pay him �4m a year. Take his recent declaration that United only know how to attack, or his pathetic, hair-splitting assertion that United were playing 4-4-1-1 and not 4-4-2 after they scored three whole goals in one half at Fulham last month. Most insulting of all was his suggestion that disgruntled United fans could go and watch Chelsea.

Now, if reports are to be believed, Ferguson is ready to bite off his purple nose to spite his face and let Keane go. If he does, it will be the final proof: Sir Alex Ferguson has demonstrably, irrefutably lost the plot.

PORTSMOUTH v WIGAN ATHLETIC, 0-2 Sat 5 Nov 2005 Wigan Athletic right-back Pascal Chimbonda scored for the second successive Barclays Premiership game to keep his side riding high in the table.A second from Jason Roberts, with Chimbonda again involved, sealed a sixth successive win as the Latics' fine start to the season stayed well on track.

Before meeting Portsmouth at Fratton Park only Henri Camara had scored more than one goal in the league for them this season.

But Chimbonda, the Frenchman signed from Bastia whose header in the last minute beat Fulham last week, used his loaf again to nod in a Jimmy Bullard corner just after the break.

And Chimbonda set the seal on the Latics� victory with a lightning break out of defence 11 minutes from time to lay on a tap-in for former Pompey striker Roberts.

Another ex-Portsmouth player, defender Arjan de Zeeuw, had an easy time at the back with team-mate Stephane Henchoz who looked after Pompey�s liveliest threat Dario Silva, the veteran Uruguayan.

Pompey manager Alain Perrin sent on substitute Laurent Robert, who refused the job last week, after an hour.

Perrin also introduced Lomana LuaLua a few minutes later for his first game since catching malaria in September.

Nothing made any difference to their frustration though as, once more, they failed to find a first home win of the campaign.

Things will not get easier as it is Liverpool away next and then Chelsea at home for Portsmouth.

Wigan racked up their ninth win in 10 starts in all competitions - they have not lost since the opening two weeks of the season - but neither side impressed in the first half.

Wigan goalkeeper John Filan gave himself a fright, failing to claim a speculative long, high ball forward from Gregory Vignal early on and then watching the dangerous Silva put in a header that dropped just over the bar.

The visitors� nimble inter-changes kept Portsmouth on their toes and Linvoy Primus, just back from injury, had to get a vital foot in to deny former team-mate Roberts access to the penalty area on 16 minutes.

Camara, booed all match because of his Southampton connections, was ruled narrowly offside as Wigan began to string their passes together and penetrate.

Pompey ran hard but could not disturb the immaculate composure of their former skipper De Zeeuw who stood imperious in the Wigan defence.

And after Bullard saw a shot on the turn blocked, the Latics could have snatched the lead if another Pompey old boy had taken more care with his finishing a minute before the break when his side were cranking up a bit of pressure.

With time and space available Roberts stabbed wide of the mark.

Damien Francis did the same, although with the aid of a deflection, early in the second half when Camara set him up.

From the corner Chimbonda rose at the far post to head the simplest of goals, his second in two weeks.

Club Profile Manchester United Eight Premiership titles in 13 years coupled with FA Cup and European glory make the Old Trafford fans hungry for success, and Sir Alex Ferguson has the squad to deliver once again.

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Club Information PREMIER LEAGUE PERFORMANCE Manchester United have dominated the FA Premier League since the inception of the competition in 1992. Sir Alex Ferguson has helped the club set new standards on the field with eight championship victories. The Reds ended a 26-year title wait by lifting the FA Premier League trophy in 1993 with Eric Cantona making a telling contribution following his move from Leeds. The mercurial Frenchman went on to forge legendary status at United and many supporters believe he is the greatest player to pull on the shirt - four championships and two FA Cup wins were celebrated during his five-year spell in Manchester. Home-grown talent such as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have since developed into world-renowned players, and latterly imported stars such as Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy have added the overseas expertise. Old Trafford has grown into one of the most impressive stadiums in the world with a capacity of over 68,000 and the 'sold out' signs go up for most home matches. Ferguson's decision to postpone his planned retirement and stay on as manager delighted the red army, who also celebrated the record signing of Rio Ferdinand in summer 2002. And there were further celebrations at Old Trafford as United lifted The FA Cup for the 11th time in 2004 with a 3-0 win over Millwall. England striker Wayne Rooney arrived at Old Trafford in August 2004 to complete a formidable looking front line.

CLUB Formed as Newton Heath in 1878, the 'Red Devils' became Manchester United in 1902 and were crowned Division One champions just six years later. The FA Cup was also on display at their Bank Street home before a move to Old Trafford was secured in 1910, with another league title sewn up under the leadership of Ernest Mangnall. The inter-war years were barren for the Reds, but Sir Matt Busby became manager in 1945 and his 'Busby Babes' won three league titles in the 1950s. However, tragedy struck on the return from a European tie in 1958 when an air crash in Munich claimed the lives of eight United players and robbed the world of one of the most exciting teams of its era. Busby survived and led United to league glory in 1965 and 1967 before a famous and emotional European Cup triumph in 1968. Frequent success in cup competitions, including lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1991, translated into league success in 1993 - the inaugural season of the FA Premier League (1992-93). The red machine went on to dominate English football under Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership. An unprecedented double of FA Premier League and FA Cup Doubles were captured in 1994 and 1996, before 1999's thrilling FA Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble triumph.

I am really shoked of how well they have done but wen i watched them play chelsea in the first match of the season i knew they wouldnt be in the bottom 3 because they showed they worked as part of a team and they had enough talent to win a match...i am very happy for them its nice to see a noth west team up there

A second from Jason Roberts, with Chimbonda again involved, sealed a sixth successive win as the Latics' fine start to the season stayed well on track.

Before meeting Portsmouth at Fratton Park only Henri Camara had scored more than one goal in the league for them this season.

But Chimbonda, the Frenchman signed from Bastia whose header in the last minute beat Fulham last week, used his loaf again to nod in a Jimmy Bullard corner just after the break.

And Chimbonda set the seal on the Latics� victory with a lightning break out of defence 11 minutes from time to lay on a tap-in for former Pompey striker Roberts.

Another ex-Portsmouth player, defender Arjan de Zeeuw, had an easy time at the back with team-mate Stephane Henchoz who looked after Pompey�s liveliest threat Dario Silva, the veteran Uruguayan.

Pompey manager Alain Perrin sent on substitute Laurent Robert, who refused the job last week, after an hour.

Perrin also introduced Lomana LuaLua a few minutes later for his first game since catching malaria in September.

Nothing made any difference to their frustration though as, once more, they failed to find a first home win of the campaign.

Things will not get easier as it is Liverpool away next and then Chelsea at home for Portsmouth.

Wigan racked up their ninth win in 10 starts in all competitions - they have not lost since the opening two weeks of the season - but neither side impressed in the first half.

Wigan goalkeeper John Filan gave himself a fright, failing to claim a speculative long, high ball forward from Gregory Vignal early on and then watching the dangerous Silva put in a header that dropped just over the bar.

The visitors� nimble inter-changes kept Portsmouth on their toes and Linvoy Primus, just back from injury, had to get a vital foot in to deny former team-mate Roberts access to the penalty area on 16 minutes.

Camara, booed all match because of his Southampton connections, was ruled narrowly offside as Wigan began to string their passes together and penetrate.

Pompey ran hard but could not disturb the immaculate composure of their former skipper De Zeeuw who stood imperious in the Wigan defence.

And after Bullard saw a shot on the turn blocked, the Latics could have snatched the lead if another Pompey old boy had taken more care with his finishing a minute before the break when his side were cranking up a bit of pressure.

With time and space available Roberts stabbed wide of the mark.

Damien Francis did the same, although with the aid of a deflection, early in the second half when Camara set him up.

From the corner Chimbonda rose at the far post to head the simplest of goals, his second in two weeks.

this is wat we have been waiting for our life.........wat a fantasticresult...this is the point that we are going to remeber when this seasoncomes to an end...we are defenetly going to win the title this season....wehave a game in hand and we have players to get well and the january windowis going to open........wat a feeeeeeeeelling...just could'nt explain..i gottears in ma eyes.....this is just brilliant.....and Alan Smith...wat aperformance......Fletcher did the job for us...hats of to the TEAM.....wehave stoped chelsea...THIS IS OLD TRAFFORD...this is our home...and this is wat they get........ ara>>

i had promised myself not to post in dis grp till we play well n win a gr8match...today is da day.... rocK on united !!!! today is day when it allstarts once again... fellow shitty clubs be ready to get ur ass kicked...coz united are back to where we belong...

Long Live Manchester United ... !!!!!

ciao..Curtz.. born devil '0'

> this is wat we have been waiting for our life.........wat a fantastic> result...this is the point that we are going to remeber when this season> comes to an end...we are defenetly going to win the title this> season....we have a game in hand and we have players to get well and the> january window is going to open........wat a feeeeeeeeelling...just> could'nt explain..i got tears in ma eyes.....this is just> brilliant.....and Alan Smith...wat a performance......Fletcher did the> job for us...hats of to the TEAM.....we have stoped chelsea...THIS IS> OLD TRAFFORD...this is our home...> and this is wat they get........> ara>>

WOW LOL.... normally swearing isnt allowed but i think the way u presented it was amazing !!!

Preston Adams <preston_adams101@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:FUCK all the non-believers who tipped blue mother-fuckers to win at my Home. FUCK peter Kenyon and Abramovich.FUCK you mourinho you Son of a BitchYou will never be as big as MAN UNITED!!!!

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Darren Fletcher's first-half header ensured Manchester United ended Chelsea's 40-match league unbeaten run. Fletcher appeared to be trying to head the ball back across the goal, but his effort looped inside the far post.

Early in the second half Ruud van Nistelrooy should have made the game safe but he blazed his shot over.

His miss meant United had to live on their nerves as Chelsea desperately sought the equaliser and Edwin van der Sar bravely denied Frank Lampard.

The win saw United climb six places to third, leaving them 10 points behind Chelsea, with a game in hand on the league leaders.

On the 19th anniversary of his appointment as United manager the win provided Sir Alex Ferguson with something to celebrate in what has been a miserable week.

In that time United have been humbled by Middlesbrough, have lost to Lille in the Champions League and Roy Keane has questioned the calibre of some of the club's recent signings.

The young United squad looked promising - I think a few more wins could be on the way

From VAHave your say on 606

Fletcher was one of the players singled out by Keane for criticism but, with the Irishman watching from the stands, the young Scot produced a storming performance.

It was his cross that provided that gilt-edged chance for Van Nistelrooy in the second half when the Dutchman thrashed his shot over the bar.

Late on Wayne Rooney might have snatched a second goal for United, but his goalbound shot was deflected for a corner by Paulo Ferreira.

This was only the second Premiership defeat Chelsea have suffered under Mourinho since he took over at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004.

Following their midweek Champions League defeat to Real Betis it is the first time Chelsea have lost twice in a row under their Portuguese manager.

Ten minutes into the second half Mourinho replaced Michael Essien with Eidur Gudjohnsen to try to provide Didier Drogba more support.

Gudjohnsen's introduction prompted Chelsea to lay siege to the United goal for the rest of the half.

The Icelandic striker quickly made an impact, passing to Damien Duff who, with the goal at his mercy, miscued his shot.

Van der Sar's courageous block to thwart Lampard - the Dutchman threw himself at the Chelsea midfielder's feet - was the save of the game.

If the game's closing stages were frenetic, then its opening exchanges were equally frantic.

Drogba tried to lob Van der Sar but the Chelsea striker was unable to get enough power in his shot.

Asier Del Horno also had a glimpse of the United goal, only to volley wide a Joe Cole free-kick.

In the opening half-hour Ronaldo had a succession of opportunities to cross from the left, each time failing to provide a worthwhile delivery.

But he finally got his angles correct to pick out Fletcher at the far post.

Fletcher headed the ball back across goal and his flighted effort took on an altogether more deadly trajectory floating over John Terry and landing in the back of the net.

just wanted to say FUCK YOU TO ALL THE SO-CALLED SUPPORTERS that didn't have the belief that we can beat chelski!! you should be coming out of your shells now and show support but i already lost some respect on you part-timers!

Oi wanker! you might not consider yourself a racist but you are prejudiced to the jews. a cunt like you shouldn't be in the list if you are going to called Manchester United names. get off before i stick my boot up your arse!

Reni

--- In Manchester_United_2004@yahoogroups.com, "craig_clement_liddell" <craig_clement_liddell@y...> wrote:>> Today's big game will on the ownership level be between a Russian Jew > and an American Jew. All of us non-Jews will rightfully get excited > by the talented football on display, but all the money generated will > go to Abramovski and Malcom Glazer. It's a bit like that old joke > about what Jews do on Xmas - go and count all the money they made > from selling toys!> > I'm like most people - I try to cut everybody a lot of slack and stop > myself being negative about other groups and especially not racist. > In particular I try to cut Jews a bit of slack - afterall haven't > they suffered enough over the years. However, I'm finding it harder > and harder to dismiss conspiracy theories because if the Jews really > want to avoid being the subject of conspiracy theories, they are in > ALL THE WRONG PLACES - Hollywood, the World Bank, The Big Banks, and > now they are dominating soccer and using to forward their > multicultural agenda. And we can see from Paris what a bad idea this > is. OK they won the World Cup because they had lots of Non-French > players, but was it worth it to have their cities burnt to the ground?> > I recommend the politically naive to check out the following websites:> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Universal_Fascist_Party/> http://www.fpp.co.uk > http://www.amren.com > http://www.davidduke.com/ > http://www.castefootball.us/> http://www.whitesurvival.net>

i totally respect what Paul Jewell has done with that squad. this club under him have a better chance in staying in the top flight than the Bradford team of the late 90s. Jason Roberts will make a lot of difference with the team! yes, it truly is good to sea another northern team up there. they are only 6 points behind the rent boys and have a game in hand. we will always we connected with them for transfering Roy Carroll to us =)

Reni

--- In Manchester_United_2004@yahoogroups.com, lisa bradley <usher_is_da_bomb_8701@y...> wrote:>> I am really shoked of how well they have done but wen i watched them play chelsea in the first match of the season i knew they wouldnt be in the bottom 3 because they showed they worked as part of a team and they had enough talent to win a match...i am very happy for them its nice to see a noth west team up there > > Syatibiy <syatibiy@y...> wrote: PORTSMOUTH v WIGAN ATHLETIC, 0-2 Sat 5 Nov 2005 > Wigan Athletic right-back Pascal Chimbonda scored for the second successive Barclays Premiership game to keep his side riding high in the table.> > A second from Jason Roberts, with Chimbonda again involved, sealed a sixth successive win as the Latics' fine start to the season stayed well on track. > > Before meeting Portsmouth at Fratton Park only Henri Camara had scored more than one goal in the league for them this season. > > But Chimbonda, the Frenchman signed from Bastia whose header in the last minute beat Fulham last week, used his loaf again to nod in a Jimmy Bullard corner just after the break. > > And Chimbonda set the seal on the Latics' victory with a lightning break out of defence 11 minutes from time to lay on a tap-in for former Pompey striker Roberts. > > Another ex-Portsmouth player, defender Arjan de Zeeuw, had an easy time at the back with team-mate Stephane Henchoz who looked after Pompey's liveliest threat Dario Silva, the veteran Uruguayan. > > Pompey manager Alain Perrin sent on substitute Laurent Robert, who refused the job last week, after an hour. > > Perrin also introduced Lomana LuaLua a few minutes later for his first game since catching malaria in September. > > Nothing made any difference to their frustration though as, once more, they failed to find a first home win of the campaign. > > Things will not get easier as it is Liverpool away next and then Chelsea at home for Portsmouth. > > Wigan racked up their ninth win in 10 starts in all competitions - they have not lost since the opening two weeks of the season - but neither side impressed in the first half. > > Wigan goalkeeper John Filan gave himself a fright, failing to claim a speculative long, high ball forward from Gregory Vignal early on and then watching the dangerous Silva put in a header that dropped just over the bar. > > The visitors' nimble inter-changes kept Portsmouth on their toes and Linvoy Primus, just back from injury, had to get a vital foot in to deny former team-mate Roberts access to the penalty area on 16 minutes. > > Camara, booed all match because of his Southampton connections, was ruled narrowly offside as Wigan began to string their passes together and penetrate. > > Pompey ran hard but could not disturb the immaculate composure of their former skipper De Zeeuw who stood imperious in the Wigan defence. > > And after Bullard saw a shot on the turn blocked, the Latics could have snatched the lead if another Pompey old boy had taken more care with his finishing a minute before the break when his side were cranking up a bit of pressure. > > With time and space available Roberts stabbed wide of the mark. > > Damien Francis did the same, although with the aid of a deflection, early in the second half when Camara set him up. > > From the corner Chimbonda rose at the far post to head the simplest of goals, his second in two weeks. > > Pompey threatened in isolated flurries, defender Brian Priske heading wide from a corner. > > But it was still a bit of a surprise when Robert came on as substitute for his busy countryman Vignal on the left. > > His first cross was a beauty but Silva could not head it home and, after a couple more raids, Pompey threw the game away. > > The marking was non-existent when Chimbonda burst clear down the right and provided the perfect cross for Roberts to slip home. > > > > > ---------------------------------> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS > > > Visit your group "Manchester_United_2004" on the web.> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:> Manchester_United_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. > > > ---------------------------------> > > > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail>

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